Liquid crystal display

ABSTRACT

A display, includes: a substrate; first signal lines (FSLs) at least partially recessed in the substrate and extending in substantially a direction; a gate insulating layer (GIL) disposed on the FSLs; a first electrode disposed on the GIL; a thin film transistor (TFT) connected to a FSL of the FSLs and including the GIL and the first electrode; a pixel electrode (PE) extending in substantially the direction, connected to the TFT, and configured to receive a data voltage from the TFT; a common electrode (CE) overlapping with at least a portion of the PE; and a first insulating layer disposed between the PE and CE. One of the PE and the CE has a planar shape and the other includes branch electrodes overlapping with the planar shape and extending substantially parallel to the FSL. At least a portion of the CE overlaps with at least a portion of the FSL.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from and the benefit of Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2013-0014968, filed on Feb. 12, 2013, which isincorporated by reference for all purposes as if set forth herein.

BACKGROUND

Field

Exemplary embodiments relate to display technology, and moreparticularly to, a liquid crystal display including two field generatingelectrodes disposed on the same substrate.

Discussion

Conventional liquid crystal displays typically include two displaypanels on which field generating electrodes, such as pixel electrodesand a common electrode, are formed, and a liquid crystal layer disposedtherebetween. To facilitate the display of images, voltage is usuallyapplied to the field generating electrodes to form an electric field inthe liquid crystal layer. In this manner, the alignment of liquidcrystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer is affected by theelectric field, and polarization of incident light is controlled inassociation therewith. The transmittance of the liquid crystal displaymay increase when, for instance, the alignment of the liquid crystalmolecules is controlled better.

Typically, each pixel electrode of a conventional liquid crystal displayis connected with a switching element that is, in turn, connected withsignal lines, such as a gate line and a data line. The switching elementusually includes a three (3)-terminal element, such as a thin filmtransistor, which transfers data voltage to the pixel electrode throughan output terminal thereof. It is noted that the pixel electrodes andthe common electrode may be disposed on one display panel, such as thedisplay panel including the switching element(s).

Therefore, there is a need for an approach that provides efficient, costeffective techniques to improve the control of liquid crystal molecules,and, in turn, the transmittance and/or other characteristics of anassociated display device.

The above information disclosed in this Background section is only forenhancement of understanding of the background of the invention, and,therefore, it may contain information that does not form the prior artthat is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill inthe art.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide a liquid crystal display including twofield generating electrodes disposed on the same substrate.

Additional aspects will be set forth in the detailed description whichfollows and, in part, will be apparent from the disclosure, or may belearned by practice of the invention.

According to exemplary embodiments, a liquid crystal display, includes:a substrate; first signal lines at least partially recessed in thesubstrate, the first signal lines longitudinally extending insubstantially a first direction; a gate insulating layer disposed on thefirst signal lines; a first electrode disposed on the gate insulatinglayer; a thin film transistor connected to a first signal line of thefirst signal lines, the thin film transistor including the gateinsulating layer and the first electrode; a pixel electrodelongitudinally extending in substantially the first direction, the pixelelectrode being connected to the thin film transistor and configured toreceive a data voltage from the thin film transistor; a common electrodeoverlapping with at least a portion of the pixel electrode; and a firstinsulating layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the commonelectrode. One of the pixel electrode and the common electrode has aplanar shape and the other includes a plurality of branch electrodesoverlapping with at least a portion of the planar-shaped electrode, thebranch electrodes extend substantially parallel to the first signalline, and a portion of the common electrode overlaps with at least aportion of the first signal line.

According to exemplary embodiments, transmittance of a liquid crystaldisplay including two field generating electrodes disposed on the samesubstrate may be increased. In addition, the parasitic capacitance maybe reduced between a signal line and a field generating electrode,which, thereby, minimizes signal delay and crosstalk between the signalline and the field generating electrode. Furthermore, light leakagecaused, at least in part, by electric field distortions may also bereduced.

According to exemplary embodiments, a number of data driving circuitchips may be reduced, which, thereby, reduces an edge portion (e.g.,bezel region) of a corresponding display panel. Moreover, whenintegrating a gate driving circuit on a substrate, exemplary embodimentspermit greater design freedom in the choice of integration regions forthe gate driving circuit.

The foregoing general description and the following detailed descriptionare exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide furtherexplanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of theinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.1 taken along sectional line II-II, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 2B is an alternative cross-sectional view of the liquid crystaldisplay of FIG. 1 taken along sectional line II-II, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.3 taken along sectional line IV-IV, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 4B is an alternative cross-sectional view of the liquid crystaldisplay of FIG. 3 taken along sectional line IV-IV, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.5 taken along sectional line VI-VI, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 6B is an alternative cross-sectional view of the liquid crystaldisplay of FIG. 5 taken along sectional line VI-VI, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.7 taken along sectional line VIII-VIII, according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 8B is an alternative cross-sectional view of the liquid crystaldisplay of FIG. 7 taken along sectional line VIII-VIII, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 9 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.9 taken along sectional line X-X, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.9 taken along sectional line XI-XI, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.9 taken along sectional line XII-XII, according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are layout views of a polarity of a data voltage in aliquid crystal display, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIGS. 15-18 are layout views of a manufacturing method of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 9, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 19 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.19 taken along sectional line XX-XX, according to exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 21 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.21 taken along sectional line XXII-XXII, according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 23 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.23 taken along sectional line XXIV-XXIV, according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 26 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.26 taken along sectional line XXVII-XXVII, according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.26 taken along sectional line XXVIII-XXVIII, according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 29 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.29 taken along sectional line XXX-XXX, according to exemplaryembodiments.

FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG.29 taken along sectional line XXXI-XXXI, according to exemplaryembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of various exemplary embodiments. It is apparent, however,that various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without thesespecific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagramform in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various exemplaryembodiments.

In the accompanying figures, the size and relative sizes of layers,films, panels, regions, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity anddescriptive purposes. Also, like reference numerals denote likeelements.

When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,”or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on,connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or interveningelements or layers may be present. When, however, an element or layer isreferred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or“directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no interveningelements or layers present. For the purposes of this disclosure, “atleast one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one selected from the groupconsisting of X, Y, and Z” may be construed as X only, Y only, Z only,or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as, for instance,XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Asused herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of oneor more of the associated listed items.

Although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describevarious elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, theseelements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not belimited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element,component, region, layer or section from another region, layer orsection. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or sectiondiscussed below could be termed a second element, component, region,layer or section without departing from the teachings of the presentdisclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and/or the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes,and thereby, to describe one element or feature's relationship toanother element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the drawings.Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of an apparatus in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the apparatus inthe drawings is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath”other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the otherelements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompassboth an orientation of above and below. Furthermore, the apparatus maybe otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at otherorientations), and as such, the spatially relative descriptors usedherein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Moreover,the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in thisspecification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps,operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference tosectional illustrations that are schematic illustrations of idealizedexemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. As such,variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, forexample, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to beexpected. Thus, exemplary embodiments disclosed herein should not beconstrued as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions,but are to include deviations in shapes that result from, for instance,manufacturing. For example, an implanted region illustrated as arectangle will, typically, have rounded or curved features and/or agradient of implant concentration at its edges rather than a binarychange from implanted to non-implanted region. Likewise, a buried regionformed by implantation may result in some implantation in the regionbetween the buried region and the surface through which the implantationtakes place. Thus, the regions illustrated in the drawings are schematicin nature and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actualshape of a region of a device and are not intended to be limiting.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure is a part. Terms,such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should beinterpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning inthe context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense, unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 1 taken along sectional line II-II. FIG. 2B isan alternative cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display ofFIG. 1 taken along sectional line II-II.

Referring to FIG. 1, a liquid crystal display includes a plurality ofpixels PX arranged in, for example, a matrix formation. It iscontemplated, however, that any suitable arrangement may be utilized. Asshown, a row direction is referred to as a first (or x-direction), and acolumn direction is referred to as a second (or y-direction). Referringto FIG. 2A, the liquid crystal display further includes a lower panel100 and an upper panel 200 facing each other, and a liquid crystal layer3 disposed therebetween.

According to exemplary embodiments, the lower panel 100 includes aplurality of signal lines disposed on an insulation substrate 110. Theplurality of signal lines may include a first signal line SL1 and asecond signal line SL2 alternately arranged in the x-direction. In thismanner, the first signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2 maysubstantially extend in the y-direction. To this end, the longitudinalextension of the first signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2 inthe y-direction may also be periodically curved (or otherwise bent) inthe x-direction, such as seen in FIG. 1. Alternatively, the first signalline SL1 and the second signal line SL2 may extend in a straight (orsubstantially straight) line.

The first signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2 may transmitsignals of the same or different kind. For example, the first signalline SL1 and the second signal line SL2 of the same kind may be datalines configured to transmit a data signal to each pixel PX. As anotherexample, the first signal line SL1 may be a gate line configured totransmit a gate signal of a combination of a gate-on voltage Von and agate-off voltage Voff to each pixel PX. In this manner, the secondsignal line SL2 may be a common voltage line configured to transmit acommon voltage Vcom, or the second signal line SL2 may be a gate line.

As shown in FIG. 1, a respective first signal line SL1 and second signalline SL2 may be disposed in association with each pixel array in thex-direction. It is contemplated, however, that the first signal line SL1and the second signal line SL2 may be alternatively disposed, such as,in association with, two or more pixel arrays.

A gate insulating layer 140 is disposed on the first signal line SL1 andthe second signal line SL2. The gate insulating layer 140 may be made of(or otherwise include) any suitable material, such as, for example, aninorganic insulator, e.g., silicon nitride (SiNx), silicon oxide (SiOx),etc.

A first passivation layer 180 a may be disposed on the gate insulatinglayer 140. The first passivation layer 180 a may be made of (orotherwise include) any suitable material, such as, for instance, anorganic insulating material and/or an inorganic insulating material. Itis noted, however, that the first passivation layer 180 a may beomitted.

A plurality of pixel electrodes 191 may be disposed on the firstpassivation layer 180 a. A pixel electrode 191 disposed at each pixel PXmay exhibit a planar shape, such as a polygonal shape including edgesparallel to the first signal line SL1 and/or the second signal line SL2.A length of the pixel electrode 191 in the y-direction may be longerthan the length in the x-direction. That is, the length of one pixel PXin the y-direction may be longer than the length in the x-direction.

According to exemplary embodiments, each pixel electrode 191 may bedisposed between a first signal line SL1 and a second signal line SL2;however, any other suitable arrangement may be utilized. The pixelelectrode 191 may not overlap with the first signal line SL1 or thesecond signal line SL2. The pixel electrode 191 may be formed of anysuitable material, such as, for example, a transparent conductivematerial, e.g., aluminum zinc oxide (AZO), gallium zinc oxide (GZO),indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc. It is alsocontemplated that one or more conductive polymers (ICP) may be utilized,such as, for example, polyaniline, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), etc.

The pixel electrode 191 may receive a data signal through a switchingelement (not shown), such as a thin film transistor. In this manner, theswitching element may include terminals connected to the first signalline SL1 or the second signal line SL2. It is noted that the firstsignal line SL1 or the second signal line SL2 may be disposed at a layerclosest to the insulation substrate 110 among the layers in whichseveral terminals of the switching element are disposed. For instance,the first signal line SL1 and/or the second signal line SL2 may bedirectly disposed on the insulation substrate 110. Alternatively, thefirst signal line SL1 and/or the second signal line SL2 may be embedded,partially recessed, or otherwise countersunk in the insulation substrate110.

A second passivation layer 180 b made of any suitable insulatingmaterial may be disposed on the pixel electrode 191.

According to exemplary embodiments, a common electrode 131 may bedisposed on the second passivation layer 180 b. The common electrode 131overlaps with the pixel electrode 191 of each pixel PX. Further, thecommon electrode 131 may include a plurality of branch electrodes 133substantially extending parallel to each other and separated from eachother, as well as includes a boundary portion 135 overlapping with thefirst signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2.

A plurality of branch electrodes 133 disposed in association with onepixel PX may be connected to each other in a lower end and an upper endthereof. A region between the branch electrodes 133 may be referred toas a slit.

In exemplary embodiments, the boundary portion 135 may be disposed closeto a boundary of the pixel(s) PX neighboring the boundary portion 135 inthe x-direction. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A, the boundary portion 135may cover the first signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2. Thatis, the boundary portion 135 may cover both edge sides of the firstsignal line SL1 and/or the second signal line SL2. It is noted, however,that the first signal line SL1 and/or the second signal line SL2 maylongitudinally extend from the boundary portion 135 in the y-direction.In exemplary embodiments, the branch electrode 133 and the boundaryportion 135 may substantially extend parallel to the first signal lineSL1 and the second signal line SL2.

According to exemplary embodiments, the common electrode 131 receives acommon voltage, and the common electrode 131 may be disposed inassociation with a plurality of pixels PX that are connected to eachother. When, for instance, the second signal line SL2 is a commonvoltage line, the common electrode 131 may be electrically connected tothe second signal line SL2. The common electrode 131 may be made of (orotherwise include) any suitable material, such as one or more of theaforementioned transparent conductive materials.

The upper panel 200, according to exemplary embodiments, may include alight blocking member 220 and a color filter 230 respectively disposedon an insulation substrate 210. In this manner, the light blockingmember 220 may include a portion covering (e.g., disposed over) thefirst signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2, as well as includea portion overlapping with a corresponding portion of the color filter230. The light blocking member 220 prevents light leakage betweenneighboring pixels PX, such that openings therein define the pixels PX.The color filter 230 may be configured to facilitate display of one ormore primary colors, e.g., red, green, and/or blue. It is contemplated,however, that color filter 230 may facilitate the display of any othersuitable color, such as cyan, magenta, yellow, white, etc., colors.

Unlike as shown in FIG. 2A, at least one of the light blocking member220 and the color filter 230 may be disposed on the lower panel 100.

The liquid crystal layer 3 includes liquid crystal molecules (notshown). The liquid crystal molecules may be aligned so that long axesthereof are horizontal (or otherwise parallel) to the surfaces of thelower and upper display panels 100 and 200 in a state when an electricfield is not applied.

According to exemplary embodiments, when a data voltage is applied tothe pixel electrode 191, an electric field is imposed on the liquidcrystal layer 3 together with the common electrode 131, which may besupplied with a common voltage. In this manner, the alignment directionof the liquid crystal molecules of the liquid crystal layer 3 may becorrespondingly controlled based on the fringe patterns of the electricfield. As previously mentioned, the controlled alignment of the liquidcrystal molecules may be utilized to facilitate the display of acorresponding image. Accordingly, the pixel electrode 191 and the commonelectrode 131 may be respectively referred to as field generatingelectrodes.

According to exemplary embodiments, the length of each pixel PX in they-direction is longer than the length in the x-direction, and the branchelectrodes 133 of the common electrode 131 may substantially extend inthe y-direction. In this manner, as compared to when the branchelectrodes 133 extend in the x-direction, a disclination region that maybe generated at or near an end region of a slit between the branchelectrodes 133 may be decreased, such that the transmittance of theliquid crystal display may be increased.

In exemplary embodiments, the first signal line SL1 or the second signalline SL2 overlapping with the boundary portion 135 of the commonelectrode 131 may be disposed on the layer closest to the insulationsubstrate 110 among the layers in which the several terminals of theswitching element connected to the pixel electrode 191 are disposed.That is, according to exemplary embodiments, the first signal line SL1or the second signal line SL2 may be disposed under the gate insulatinglayer 140, and, for instance, may be disposed directly on the insulationsubstrate 110, as illustrated in FIG. 2A. As such, a distance betweenthe first signal line SL1 or the second signal line SL2 and the boundaryportion 135 of the common electrode 131 or the pixel electrode 191 maybe maximized (or otherwise increased). Accordingly, the parasiticcapacitance between the first signal line SL1 or the second signal lineSL2 and the boundary portion 135 of the common electrode 131 or thepixel electrode 191 may be reduced, such that a signal delay of thefirst signal line SL1 or the second signal line SL2 may be minimized. Itis also noted that crosstalk between the first signal line SL1 or thesecond signal line SL2 and the boundary portion 135 of the commonelectrode 131 or the pixel electrode 191 may be reduced, such that lightleakage due to electric field distortion may be reduced.

According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the firstsignal line SL1 or the second signal line SL2 and the boundary portion135 of the common electrode 131 or the pixel electrode 191 may be evenfurther maximized by embedding, partially recessing, or otherwisecountersinking the first signal line SL1 or the second signal line SL2in the insulation substrate 110, an example of which is illustrated inFIG. 2B. In this manner, the first signal line SL1 or the second signalline SL2 may still be disposed under the gate insulating layer 140, andmay also include an upper surface flush (or otherwise coplanar) with anupper surface of the insulation substrate 110, as shown in FIG. 2B.While not illustrated, the upper surface of the first signal line SL1 orthe second signal line SL2 may be disposed above or below the uppersurface of the insulation substrate 110.

As seen in FIG. 2B, when the upper surface of the first signal line SL1or the second signal line SL2 is flush with an upper surface of theinsulation substrate 110, the gate insulating layer 140 and the firstpassivation layer 180 a may be formed as substantially plane layers, asopposed to including respective “bumped” portions disposed on the firstsignal line SL1 or the second signal line SL2, which is shown in FIG.2A. When, however, the first signal line SL1 or the second signal lineSL2 is at least partially recessed in insulation substrate 110, i.e.,the upper surface of the first signal line SL1 or the second signal lineSL2 is disposed above the upper surface of the insulation substrate 110,the respective “bumped” portions of the gate insulating layer 140 andthe first passivation layer 180 a may be less drastic than asillustrated in FIG. 2A. To this end, when the first signal line SL1 orthe second signal line SL2 is countersunk in insulation substrate 110,the respective “bumped” portions of the gate insulating layer 140 andthe first passivation layer 180 a may be “bumped” in a directionopposite to that illustrated in FIG. 2A. The other features of theliquid crystal display may be substantially the same as shown anddescribed in association with FIG. 2A, and, therefore, to avoidobscuring exemplary embodiments described herein, duplicativedescriptions have been omitted.

According to exemplary embodiments, since the parasitic capacitancebetween the first signal line SL1 or the second signal line SL2 and theboundary portion 135 of the common electrode 131 or the pixel electrode191 may be reduced, it is not necessary to form an insulating layerformed of an organic insulating material between the first signal lineSL1 or the second signal line SL2 and the common electrode 131 or thepixel electrode 191. In other words, the first passivation layer 180 amay not include an organic insulating material. When, for example, theinsulating layer of the first passivation layer 180 a is formed of aninorganic insulating material, a material cost may be reduced, ascompared with instances when an organic insulating material is utilizedand a processing step, such as deposition and photo-processing isutilized, processing time to manufacture the corresponding liquidcrystal display may be reduced. Furthermore, undesirable absorption ofincident light by an organic insulating material may be reduced, suchthat the transmittance of the liquid crystal display may be furtherincreased. To this end, it is also not necessary to form a contact holein a comparatively thick organic insulating material, such that anaperture ratio is not undesirably reduced.

FIG. 3 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 3 taken along sectional line IV-IV. FIG. 4B isan alternative cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display ofFIG. 3 taken along sectional line IV-IV.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4A, the liquid crystal display is substantiallysimilar to the liquid crystal display illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A;however, the liquid crystal display of FIGS. 3 and 4A includes analternatively configured boundary portion 135 of the common electrode131. The liquid crystal display of FIG. 4B is substantially similar tothe liquid crystal display of FIG. 4A; however, the liquid crystaldisplay of FIG. 4B includes the first signal line SL1 or the secondsignal line SL2 embedded, partially recessed, or otherwise countersunkin the insulation substrate 110. Accordingly, to avoid obscuringexemplary embodiments described herein, duplicative descriptions ofsimilarly configured features are omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the boundary portion 135 of the commonelectrode 131 may include an opening 35 elongated substantially in they-direction. In FIG. 3, while only the portion of the boundary portion135 disposed on the first signal line SL1 includes the opening 35, it iscontemplated that the portion of the boundary portion 135 disposed onthe second signal line SL2 may also include an opening 35. According toexemplary embodiments, the longitudinal extension of the opening 35 maybe curved (or otherwise bent) in the x-direction. Alternatively, theopening 35 may be straight or substantially straight.

A width of the opening 35 in the x-direction may be larger, smaller, orequal to the width of the first signal line SL1 or the second signalline SL2 in the x-direction. In this manner, the opening 35 may exposethe edge side(s) of the first signal line SL1 or the second signal lineSL2, or may cover at least one edge side thereof.

FIG. 5 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 5 taken along sectional line VI-VI. FIG. 6B isan alternative cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display ofFIG. 5 taken along sectional line VI-VI.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the liquid crystal display is substantiallysimilar to the liquid crystal display illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2A;however, the liquid crystal display of FIGS. 5 and 6A may includealternative depositions and configurations of the common electrode 131and the pixel electrode 191. The liquid crystal display of FIG. 6B issubstantially similar to the liquid crystal display of FIG. 6A; however,the liquid crystal display of FIG. 6B includes the first signal line SL1or the second signal line SL2 embedded, partially recessed, or otherwisecountersunk in the insulation substrate 110. Accordingly, to avoidobscuring exemplary embodiments described herein, duplicativedescriptions of similarly configured features are omitted.

As seen in FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, the common electrode 131 may be disposedon the first passivation layer 180 a. The second passivation layer 180 band a plurality of pixel electrodes 191 may be sequentially disposed onthe common electrode 131. The common electrode 131 may be formed on theentire surface (or a portion thereof) of the insulation substrate 110and may include at least one opening. In this manner, the commonelectrode 131 may be disposed in association with each pixel PX, and,thereby, may exhibit a planar shape. Further, the common electrode 131may overlap with the first signal line SL1 and the second signal lineSL2. As shown in FIGS. 5, 6A, and 6B, the common electrode 131 may coverthe first signal line SL1 and the second signal line SL2.

According to exemplary embodiments, each pixel electrode 191 may overlapwith a corresponding portion of the common electrode 131 disposed inassociation with the pixel PX including the pixel electrode 191.Further, the pixel electrode 191 may include a plurality of branchelectrodes 193 substantially parallel to each other and separated fromeach other. A plurality of branch electrodes 133 of one pixel electrode191 may be connected to each other at or near a lower end portion and/oran upper end portion thereof. The region between the branch electrodes193 may be referred to as a slit.

FIG. 7 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 7 taken along sectional line VIII-VIII. FIG. 8Bis an alternative cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display ofFIG. 7 taken along sectional line VIII-VIII.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8A, the liquid crystal display is substantiallysimilar to the liquid crystal display illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6A;however, the liquid crystal display of FIGS. 7 and 8A includes analternatively configured common electrode 131. The liquid crystaldisplay of FIG. 8B is substantially similar to the liquid crystaldisplay of FIG. 8A; however, the liquid crystal display of FIG. 8Bincludes the first signal line SL1 or the second signal line SL2embedded, partially recessed, or otherwise countersunk in the insulationsubstrate 110. Accordingly, to avoid obscuring exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein, duplicative descriptions of similarly configuredfeatures are omitted.

As seen in FIGS. 7, 8A, and 8B, the common electrode 131 may include aplurality of openings 35 elongated substantially in the y-direction. InFIG. 7, while only the portion of the common electrode 131 disposed overthe first signal line SL1 includes opening 35, it is contemplated thatthe portion of the common electrode 131 disposed over the second signalline SL2 may also include an opening 35. According to exemplaryembodiments, the longitudinal extension of the opening 35 may be curved(or otherwise bent) in the x-direction. Alternatively, the opening 35may be straight or substantially straight.

A width of the opening 35 in the x-direction may be larger, smaller, orequal to the width of the first signal line SL1 or the second signalline SL2 in the x-direction. In this manner, the opening 35 may exposethe edge side(s) of the first signal line SL1 or the second signal lineSL2, or may cover at least one edge side thereof.

A more detailed structure of a liquid crystal display will now bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 9-12. To avoid obscuring exemplaryembodiments described herein, duplicative descriptions are omitted.

FIG. 9 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 9 taken along sectional line X-X. FIG. 11 is across-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG. 9 taken alongsectional line XI-XI. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 9 taken along sectional line XII-XII.

As seen in FIGS. 9-12, the liquid crystal display includes the lowerpanel 100 and the upper panel 200 facing each other, and the liquidcrystal layer 3 disposed therebetween. The upper panel 200 and theliquid crystal layer 3 are configured as those previously described,and, therefore, a detailed description of these components has beenomitted.

Lower panel 100, according to exemplary embodiments, includes aplurality of gate conductors, including a plurality of gate lines 121and a plurality of common voltage lines 129 disposed on an insulationsubstrate 110.

The gate line 121 transmits the gate signal and longitudinally extendsin substantially the y-direction. As seen in, for instance, FIG. 9, thegate line 121 may be curved (or otherwise bent) in the x-direction, ormay be straight or substantially straight. Each gate line 121 includes aplurality of gate electrodes 124.

The common voltage line 129 transmits a common voltage andlongitudinally extends in substantially the y-direction. In this manner,the common voltage line 129 may be substantially parallel to the gateline 121. As such, the common voltage line 129 may be curved (orotherwise bent) in the x-direction, or may be straight or substantiallystraight. Each common voltage line 129 may include a plurality ofexpansions 128.

According to exemplary embodiments, the gate line 121 and the commonvoltage line 129 are alternately arranged in the x-direction and aredisposed in each pixel array in the x-direction; however, the gate line121 and the common voltage line 129 may be alternatively arranged. FIG.9 illustrates one gate line 121 being disposed in association with twopixel arrays. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the gate line 121 and thecommon voltage line 129 may be periodically curved (or otherwise bent)in the y-direction.

A gate insulating layer 140 is disposed on the gate conductor. Asemiconductor 154 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140. Thesemiconductor 154 may be made of (or otherwise include) any suitablematerial, such as, for example, amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon,an oxide, etc.

A pair of ohmic contacts 163 and 165 may be disposed on eachsemiconductor 154. The ohmic contacts 163 and 165 may be made of (orotherwise include) any suitable material, such as, for instance, n+hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si), which may be heavily doped withan N-type impurity, such as, for example, phosphorous. Alternatively,the pair of ohmic contacts 163 and 165 may be made of a silicide. It isalso contemplated that the ohmic contacts 163 and 165 may be omitted.

A data conductor, including a plurality of pairs of first and seconddata lines 171 a and 171 b, and a plurality of drain electrodes 175 maybe formed on the ohmic contacts 163 and 165. The first and second datalines 171 a and 171 b transmit the data signal and longitudinally extendin substantially the x-direction, and, thereby, intersect the gate line121 and the common voltage line 129. The first and second data lines 171a and 171 b respectively include a plurality of source electrodes 173extending toward the gate electrodes 124.

According to exemplary embodiments, a pair of first and second datalines 171 a and 171 b may be disposed in association with one row ofpixels PX. The first data line 171 a and the second data line 171 b mayalternately extend in the y-direction. The pixels PX of one row ofpixels PX may be disposed between a pair of first and second data lines171 a and 171 b. As seen in FIG. 9, however, the first data line 171 ais disposed at an upper side of one row of pixels PX and the second dataline 171 b is disposed at a lower side of the row of pixels PX. Thefirst and second data lines 171 a and 171 b disposed between rows ofpixels PX adjacent to each other in the y-direction may be disposedrelatively close to each other.

The drain electrode 175 includes a bar-type end and another endincluding a wide area, which opposes the source electrode 173 withrespect to the gate electrode 124.

The gate electrode 124, the source electrode 173, and the drainelectrode 175 form a thin film transistor Q, such as a switchingelement, along with the semiconductor 154. A portion of thesemiconductor 154 not covered by the source electrode 173 and the drainelectrode 175 is exposed to form a channel region of the thin filmtransistor Q. As shown in FIG. 9, the thin film transistors Q of thepixels PX of a row may be alternately connected to the first and seconddata lines 171 a and 171 b disposed at the upper and lower sides,however, any other suitable arrangement may be utilized.

According to exemplary embodiments, a plurality of pixel electrodes 191is disposed on the drain electrode 175. In this manner, a pixelelectrode 191 is disposed in association with each pixel PX and mayexhibit a planar shape, e.g., a polygonal shape, including edges thatextend parallel to the gate line 121 and the common voltage line 129.The length of the pixel electrode 191 in the y-direction may be longerthan the length in the x-direction. That is, the length of one pixel PXin the y-direction may be longer than the length in the x-direction.

Each pixel electrode 191 may be disposed between the gate line 121 andthe common voltage line 129; however, any other suitable arrangement maybe utilized. The pixel electrode 191 may not overlap with the gate line121 or the common voltage line 129. The pixel electrode 191 may contactthe drain electrode 175, and, thereby, may be configured to receive thedata voltage from the drain electrode 175. The remaining configurationof the pixel electrode 191 is substantially the same as previouslydescribed in association with FIGS. 1 and 2A, and, therefore, acorresponding detailed description has been omitted.

According to exemplary embodiments, the first passivation layer 180 amay be further disposed between the pixel electrode 191 and the drainelectrode 175. In this manner, the pixel electrode 191 may beelectrically connected to the drain electrode 175 through a contact holein the first passivation layer 180 a.

The second passivation layer 180 b may be disposed on the pixelelectrode 191. The second passivation layer 180 b and the gateinsulating layer 140 include a contact hole 183 exposing the expansion128 of the common voltage line 129.

A common electrode 131 may be disposed on the second passivation layer180 b. Corresponding portions of the common electrode 131 overlap withthe pixel electrode 191 of each pixel PX and includes a plurality ofbranch electrodes 133 substantially extending parallel to each other andseparated from each other. The common electrode 131 may also include aboundary portion 135 overlapping with the gate line 121 or the commonvoltage line 129. The boundary portion 135 may be disposed near aboundary of adjacently disposed pixels PX neighboring each other in thex-direction. The boundary portion 135 may cover the gate line 121 andthe common voltage line 129. The branch electrode 133 and the boundaryportion 135 of the common electrode 131 may substantially extendparallel to the gate line 121 and the common voltage line 129.

According to exemplary embodiments, the common electrode 131 contactsthe expansion 128 of the common voltage line 129 via the contact hole183, and, thereby, is electrically connected thereto. Accordingly,non-uniformity in the common voltage induced by resistance in the commonelectrode 131 may be reduced. The remainder of the configuration of thecommon electrode 131 is the same as previously described, and,therefore, a corresponding detailed description has been omitted.

According to exemplary embodiments, the length in the y-direction ofeach pixel PX is longer than the length in the x-direction, and thebranch electrodes 133 of the common electrode 131 may substantiallyextend in the y-direction. As compared to branch electrodes 133extending in the x-direction, a disclination region that may begenerated at or near an end portion of the slit between branchelectrodes 133 may be decreased, such that the transmittance of theliquid crystal display may be increased.

In exemplary embodiments, the gate line 121 overlapping with theboundary portion 135 of the common electrode 131 may be disposed in alayer closest to the insulation substrate 110 among the layers in whichthe several terminals of the thin film transistor Q are disposed. Forinstance, the gate line 121 may be disposed under the gate insulatinglayer 140, and may be disposed directly on the insulation substrate 110.Alternatively, the gate line 121 may be embedded, partially recessed, orotherwise countersunk in the insulation substrate 110. As such, adistance between the gate line 121 and the boundary portion 135 of thecommon electrode 131 or the pixel electrode 191 may be at a maximum (orotherwise increased). The parasitic capacitance between the gate line121 and the boundary portion 135 of the common electrode 131 or thepixel electrode 191 may, thereby, be reduced, and, as such, the signaldelay of the gate line 121 may be correspondingly minimized (orotherwise reduced). Further, crosstalk between the gate line 121 and theboundary portion 135 of the common electrode 131 or the pixel electrode191 may be reduced, such that light leakage resulting, at least in part,from electric field distortions may also be reduced.

According to exemplary embodiments, since the parasitic capacitancebetween the gate line 121 and the boundary portion 135 of the commonelectrode 131 or the pixel electrode 191 may be reduced, it is notnecessary to form an insulating layer made of an organic insulatingmaterial between the gate line 121 and the common electrode 131 or thepixel electrode 191. In other words, the first passivation layer 180 amay not include an organic insulating material. When, for example, theinsulating layer of the first passivation layer 180 a is formed of aninorganic insulating material, a material cost may be reduced, ascompared with instances when an organic insulating material is utilizedand a processing step, such as a deposition and photo-processing isutilized, processing time to manufacture the corresponding liquidcrystal display may be reduced. Furthermore, undesirable absorption ofincident light by an organic insulating material may be reduced, suchthat the transmittance of the liquid crystal display may be furtherincreased. To this end, it is also not necessary to form a contact holein a comparatively thick organic insulating material, such that anaperture ratio is not undesirably reduced. Moreover, in exemplaryembodiments, the first passivation layer 180 a is not formed, such thatthe manufacturing cost and the manufacturing time may be furtherreduced.

An operation of the liquid crystal display, according to exemplaryembodiments, will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

According to exemplary embodiments, if the gate signal transmitted bythe gate line 121 is the gate-on voltage, the thin film transistor Qconnected to the gate line 121 may be turned on. In this manner, thedata voltage applied to the first and second data lines 171 a and 171 bmay be applied to the corresponding pixel electrode 191 via the“turned-on” thin film transistor Q. A difference between the datavoltage applied to the pixel electrode 191 and the common voltageapplied to the common electrode 131 may be considered as representing apixel voltage. The liquid crystal molecules of liquid crystal layer 3may be oriented depending on the magnitude of the pixel voltage, and,accordingly, polarization of incident light propagating through theliquid crystal layer 3 may vary. Such variation of the polarizationappears as a variation in transmittance of light due to a polarizer (notshown), which may be coupled to the display panel, and, thereby, thepixel PX may display an image.

In association with a unit of the horizontal period 1H, the gate-onvoltage may be sequentially applied to all the gate lines 121, and thedata voltage may be applied to all the pixels PX, so as to display animage of one frame. Once presentation of one frame is finished, the nextframe may be started, and the polarity of the data voltage applied toeach pixel PX for the common voltage (hereinafter referred to as apolarity of the data voltage) may become opposite to the polarity of theprevious frame.

According to exemplary embodiments, during one frame, the polarity ofthe data voltage respectively transmitted by the first and second datalines 171 a and 171 b may be uniform. Also, during one frame, at leasttwo of the plurality of first and the second data lines 171 a and 171 bmay transmit data voltages of different polarities. FIG. 9 isillustrates an example in which a pair of the first and second datalines 171 a and 171 b opposing each other with respect to one row ofpixels PX transmit data voltages of different polarities during oneframe. In this manner, the first and second data lines 171 a and 171 badjacent to each other may transmit data voltages of the same polarityduring one frame. As shown in FIG. 9, the thin film transistors Q of apixel PX of a row of pixels PX may be alternately connected to the firstand second data lines 171 a and 171 b, and the pixels PX connected tothe adjacent first and second data lines 171 a and 171 b may be adjacentin a diagonal direction, such that one-by-one (1×1) dot inversionoccurs, in which the polarities of the data voltages applied to thepixels PX adjacent in the x-direction or the y-direction are opposite toeach other. In this manner, display quality degradation may be reduced.

According to exemplary embodiments, while the polarities of the datavoltages transmitted by the first and second data lines 171 a and 171 bduring one frame are uniform, various polarity inversions may berealized by applying the data voltages of the different polaritiesaccording to the positions of the first and second data lines 171 a and171 b. As such, the power consumption of the data driving may bereduced.

Another operation of the liquid crystal display, according to exemplaryembodiments, will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are respective layout views of a polarity of a datavoltage in a liquid crystal display, according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 13, the operation of the liquid crystal display may besubstantially similarly as previously described in association with FIG.9, and therefore, duplicative descriptions have been omitted. In thismanner, differences are described below.

The polarity of the data voltage transmitted by the first and seconddata lines 171 a and 171 b during one frame may be constant; however thepolarities of the data voltages transmitted by the adjacent first andsecond data lines 171 a and 171 b may be opposite to each other.Accordingly, the polarities of the data voltages transmitted to a pairof the first and second data lines 171 a and 171 b opposing each otherwith respect to one row of pixels PX may be different, and thepolarities of the data voltages transmitted to the first and second datalines 171 a and 171 b adjacent to each other may be different. As shownin FIG. 13, the thin film transistors Q of the pixels PX of a row may bealternately connected to the first and second data lines 171 a and 171b, and the pixels PX connected to the first and second data lines 171 aand 171 b adjacent to each other are adjacent in the y-direction, suchthat one-by-one (1×1) dot inversion, in which the polarities of the datavoltages applied to the pixels PX adjacent in the x-direction or they-direction are opposite to each other may be realized. As such, displayquality degradation may be reduced.

Referring to FIG. 14, the operation of the liquid crystal display may besubstantially the same as previously described in association with FIG.9, and, therefore, duplicative descriptions have been omitted. As such,differences are described below.

According to exemplary embodiments, the polarities of the data voltagestransmitted to the first and second data lines 171 a and 171 b are thesame as the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9. The thin filmtransistors Q of the pixels PX of one pixel row are alternatelyconnected to the first and second data lines 171 a and 171 b by twounits, and the pixels PX connected to the first and second data lines171 a and 171 b are adjacent to each other in a diagonal direction, suchthat one-by-two (1×2) dot inversion may occur, in which the polaritiesof the data voltages applied to the pixels PX adjacent in they-direction are opposite to each other and the polarities of the datavoltages are changed by the unit of two pixels PX in the x-direction. Assuch, display quality degradation may be reduced.

According to exemplary embodiments, various polarity inversions may berealized by controlling the arrangement of the thin film transistor Qand the arrangement of the polarity of the data voltage transmitted tothe first and second data lines 171 a and 171 b.

A manufacturing method of a lower panel of an exemplary liquid crystaldisplay is described in more detail in association with FIGS. 15-18along with FIG. 9-FIG. 12.

FIGS. 15-18 are respective layout views of a manufacturing method of theliquid crystal display of FIG. 9, according to exemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 15, a conductive material, such as a metal, isdeposited and patterned on an insulation substrate 110 to form aplurality of gate lines 121 including a gate electrode 124, and aplurality of common voltage lines 129 including an expansion 128.

As seen in FIG. 16, a gate insulating layer 140 made of, for instance,an inorganic insulating material is deposited on the gate line 121 andthe common voltage line 129. A semiconductor 154 is formed on the gateinsulating layer 140. Ohmic contact islands 163 and 165 may be formed onthe semiconductor 154. A conductive material, such as a metal, isdeposited and patterned on the semiconductor 154 to form a plurality ofpairs of the first and second data lines 171 a and 171 b respectivelyincluding source electrodes 173 and a plurality of drain electrodes 175.

Adverting to FIG. 17, a transparent conductive material, such as AZO,GZO, ITO, IZO, etc., may be deposited and patterned on the drainelectrode 175 to form a plurality of pixel electrodes 191 respectivelycontacting the drain electrodes 175.

With reference to FIG. 18, an inorganic insulating material is depositedand patterned on the pixel electrode 191 to form the second passivationlayer 180 b including a contact hole 183.

As seen in FIG. 9, a transparent conductive material, such as AZO, GZO,ITO, IZO, etc., is deposited and patterned on the second passivationlayer 180 b to form a common electrode 131 overlapping with the pixelelectrode 191.

FIG. 19 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 19 taken along sectional line XX-XX.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the liquid crystal display issubstantially to the liquid crystal display illustrated in FIGS. 9-12;however, the liquid crystal display of FIGS. 19 and 20 includes analternatively configured boundary portion 135 of the common electrode131. Accordingly, to avoid obscuring exemplary embodiments describedherein, duplicative descriptions of similarly configured features areomitted.

The boundary portion 135 of the common electrode 131 may include anopening 35 elongated substantially in the y-direction. In FIG. 19, whileonly the portion of the boundary portion 135 disposed on the gate line121 includes the opening 35, it is contemplated that the portion of theboundary portion 135 disposed on the common voltage line 129 may includethe opening 35. In exemplary embodiments, the longitudinal extension ofthe opening 35 may be curved (or otherwise bent) in the x-direction.Alternatively, the opening 35 may be straight or substantially straight.

The width of the opening 35 in the x-direction may be larger than,smaller than, or equal to the width of the gate line 121 or the commonvoltage line 129 in the x-direction. The opening 35 may expose the edgeside(s) of the gate line 121 or the common voltage line 129, or maycover at least one edge side thereof.

FIG. 21 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 21 taken along sectional line XXII-XXII.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the liquid crystal display issubstantially the same as the liquid crystal display illustrated in FIG.9-FIG. 12; however, the liquid crystal display of FIGS. 21 and 22includes an alternative depositions for the common electrode 131 and thepixel electrode 191. Accordingly, to avoid obscuring exemplaryembodiments described herein, duplicative descriptions of similarlyconfigured features are omitted.

Differently than shown in FIGS. 9-12, the first passivation layer 180 ais disposed on the thin film transistor Q and the common electrode 131is disposed on the first passivation layer 180 a. The second passivationlayer 180 b and a plurality of pixel electrodes 191 may be sequentiallydisposed on the common electrode 131.

The common electrode 131 may be formed on the entire surface (or aportion thereof) of the insulation substrate 110, and correspondingportions of the common electrode 131 disposed in each pixel PX may havethe planar shape. In exemplary embodiments, the common electrode 131overlaps with the gate line 121 and may also overlap with the commonvoltage line 129. As shown in FIGS. 21-22, the common electrode 131 maycover the gate line 121.

According to exemplary embodiments, each pixel electrode 191 overlapswith the common electrode 131 in association with a corresponding pixelPX. In this manner, each pixel electrode 191 includes a plurality ofbranch electrodes 193 substantially parallel to each other and separatedfrom each other. The pixel electrode 191 may be connected to the drainelectrode 175 via the contact hole 185 formed in the first passivationlayer 180 a and the second passivation layer 180 b.

FIG. 23 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 23 taken along sectional line XXIV-XXIV.

Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, the liquid crystal display issubstantially the same as the liquid crystal display illustrated inFIGS. 21 and 22; however, the liquid crystal display of FIGS. 23 and 24includes a differently configured common electrode 131. Accordingly, toavoid obscuring exemplary embodiments described herein, duplicativedescriptions of similarly configured features are omitted.

As seen in FIGS. 23 and 24, the common electrode 131 may include aplurality of openings 35 longitudinally elongated in substantially they-direction. As seen in, for instance, FIG. 23, the opening 35 may becurved (or otherwise bent) in the x-direction; however, it is alsocontemplated that the opening 35 may be straight or substantiallystraight. While the opening 35 is only disposed on the gate line 121, itis contemplated that the common electrode 131 disposed on the commonvoltage line 129 may include an opening 35.

The width of the opening 35 in the x-direction may be larger than,smaller than, or equal to the width of the gate line 121 or the commonvoltage line 129 in the x-direction. The opening 35 may expose the edgeside(s) of the gate line 121 or the common voltage line 129, or maycover at least one edge side thereof.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 25, a lower panel 100 of a liquid crystal display isconnected to gate drivers 400 a and 400 b, and, thereby, is configuredto receive gate signals from one or more of the gate drivers 400 a and400 b. In FIG. 25, the gate drivers 400 a and 400 b are disposed at (ornear) the upper side and the lower side of the lower panel 100. It iscontemplated, however, that the gate drivers 400 a and 400 b may bedisposed in any other suitable arrangement, such as, for instance, ononly one side of the lower panel 100.

According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the lower panel 100 inthe x-direction may be longer than the length in the y-direction, asshown in FIG. 25. In this manner, as compared with the gate line 121longitudinally extending in the x-direction, the gate line 121longitudinally extends in substantially the y-direction, such that thelength of the gate line 121 is short and a number of thin filmtransistors Q connected to each gate line 121 may be reduced, which,thereby, reduces the delay of the gate signal. In exemplary embodiments,the longitudinal extension of the gate line 121 may be curved (orotherwise bent) in the x-direction; however, it is also contemplatedthat the gate line may be straight or substantially straight.

It is also noted that, when integrating the gate drivers 400 a and 400 bconfigured to apply the gate signals to the gate lines 121 on theinsulation substrate 110, an area to form the gate drivers 400 a and 400b may be increased as compared to instances when the gate line 121longitudinally extends in the x-direction. As such, there exists greaterdesign freedom in choosing where the gate drivers 400 a and 400 b are tobe disposed. Accordingly, the width of the upper and lower edge regions(e.g., bezel regions) of the lower panel 100 may be reduced. Further, ascompared to instances when the data line 171 longitudinally extends insubstantially the y-direction, the data line 171 longitudinally extendsin substantially the x-direction. As such, the number of data lines 171and the number of data driving circuit chips configured to apply thedata signal to the data lines 171 may be reduced. This also reduces thecost of and manufacturing time for the corresponding liquid crystaldisplay.

FIG. 26 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 26 taken along sectional line XXVII-XXVII. FIG.28 is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG. 26taken along sectional line XXVIII-XXVIII. It is noted that the liquidcrystal display of FIGS. 26-28 is substantially the same as shown inFIGS. 9-25; however, the liquid crystal display of FIGS. 26-28 includesthe gate line 121 longitudinally extending in a different direction.

According to exemplary embodiments, the lower panel 100 includes aplurality of data lines 171 and a plurality of drain electrodes 175disposed on the insulation substrate 110. The data lines 171longitudinally extend in substantially the y-direction. In exemplaryembodiments, the longitudinal extension of the data lines 171 may becurved (or otherwise bent) in the x-direction; however, it is alsocontemplated that the data lines 171 may be straight or substantiallystraight. Each data line 171 includes a plurality of source electrodes173. The drain electrode 175 includes a portion opposing the sourceelectrode 173.

A plurality of semiconductors 154 may be disposed on the data lines 171and the drain electrodes 175. Each semiconductor 154 overlaps with acorresponding portion of a source electrode 173 and a drain electrode175. The semiconductor 154 may be formed of any suitable material, suchas, for instance, amorphous silicon, crystalline silicon, an oxide, etc.As a metal oxide semiconductor, the oxide semiconductor may be formed ofa metal oxide, such as, for instance, zinc (Zn), indium (In), gallium(Ga), tin (Sn), titanium (Ti), etc., or a combination thereof. Ohmiccontacts (not shown) may be disposed between the source electrode 173and drain electrode 175, and the semiconductor 154.

A gate insulating layer 140 is disposed on the semiconductor 154.

A plurality of gate lines 121 including a plurality of gate electrodes124 is disposed on the gate insulating layer 140. The gate lines 121longitudinally extend in substantially the x-direction. Each gateelectrode 124 is disposed on the semiconductor 154. For instance, eachgate electrode 124 may be disposed on a portion of the semiconductor 154corresponding to a space between the source electrode 173 and the drainelectrode 175.

The gate electrode 124, the source electrode 173, and the drainelectrode 175 form the thin film transistor Q along with thesemiconductor 154.

According to exemplary embodiments, the first passivation layer 180 a isdisposed on the thin film transistor Q, and a common electrode 131 isdisposed on the first passivation layer 180 a. The common electrode 131may exhibit a planar shape, and, thereby, may be formed as a plate onthe entire surface (or a portion thereof) of the insulation substrate110. To this end, the first passivation layer 180 a may include anopening 38 at a region corresponding to the drain electrode 175.

The second passivation layer 180 b is disposed on the common electrode131. A plurality of pixel electrodes 191, including branch electrodes193 and a connection 195, are disposed on the second passivation layer180 b. The connection 195 connects upper and lower ends of a pluralityof branch electrodes 193.

The gate insulating layer 140, the first passivation layer 180 a, andthe second passivation layer 180 b may include a contact hole 185exposing the drain electrode 175. In this manner, the pixel electrode191 may be electrically connected to the drain electrode 175 via thecontact hole 185, and, thereby, configured to receive the data voltage.

A first alignment layer 11 may be coated on an inner surface of thelower panel 100.

According to exemplary embodiments, the upper panel 200 may include alight blocking member 220 and a color filter 230 disposed on aninsulation substrate 210. It is contemplated, however, that at least oneof the light blocking member 220 and the color filter 230 may bedisposed on the lower panel 100. A second alignment layer 21 may becoated on the color filter 230 and the light blocking member 220.

In exemplary embodiments, the first alignment layer 11 and the secondalignment layer 21 may be horizontal alignment layers. It iscontemplated, however, that any other suitable configuration may beutilized.

According to exemplary embodiments, the common electrode 131 of FIGS.26-28 may include a plurality of openings (not shown) formed along thedata line 171, such as previously described in association with FIGS. 7and 8A and in FIGS. 23 and 24.

FIG. 29 is a layout view of a liquid crystal display, according toexemplary embodiments. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of the liquidcrystal display of FIG. 29 taken along sectional line XXX-XXX. FIG. 31is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal display of FIG. 29 takenalong sectional line XXXI-XXXI. The liquid crystal display of FIGS.29-31 is substantially the same as shown in FIGS. 26-28, however, theliquid crystal display of FIGS. 29-31 may include differently disposedpixel electrodes 191 and common electrode 131.

For instance, differently than as shown in FIGS. 26-28, the firstpassivation layer 180 a, in FIGS. 29-31, is disposed on the thin filmtransistor Q. A plurality of pixel electrodes 191 is disposed on thefirst passivation layer 180 a. The second passivation layer 180 b andthe common electrode 131 may be sequentially disposed on the pixelelectrode 191.

According to exemplary embodiments, the pixel electrode 191 may have aplanar shape, which may fill most of the region enclosed by the gateline 121 and the data line 171. The shape of the pixel electrode 191 maypolygonal with edges substantially extending parallel to the gate lines121 and the data line 171. The pixel electrode 191 may be electricallyconnected to the drain electrode 175 via the contact hole 185, which isformed in the gate insulating layer 140 and the first passivation layer180 a. As such, the pixel electrode 191 may be configured to receive thedata voltage.

The common electrode 131 includes a plurality of branch electrodes 133overlapping with each pixel electrode 191 and a boundary portion 135overlapping with the data line 171. The boundary portion 135 may bedisposed close to a boundary of adjacently disposed pixels PXneighboring each other in the x-direction. The boundary portion 135covers the data line 171 and may longitudinally extend substantiallyparallel to the data line 171.

According to exemplary embodiments, the boundary portion 135 of thecommon electrode 131 may include a plurality of openings (not shown)formed along the data line 171, such as previously described inassociation with FIGS. 3 and 4A or FIGS. 19 and 20.

Accordingly, it is noted that the liquid crystal displays shown in FIGS.26-28 or FIGS. 29-31 may include the data line 171 being disposedbetween the pixel array and the branch electrode 193 of the pixelelectrode 191. The data line 171 may longitudinally extend insubstantially the y-direction. Further, the common electrode 131 mayoverlap with the data line 171. It is also noted that the data line 171may be disposed as the layer closest to the insulation substrate 110among the layers where the several terminals of the thin film transistorQ connected to the pixel electrode 191 are positioned. That is, the dataline 171 may be disposed under the gate insulating layer 140, such as,for instance, directly disposed on the insulation substrate 110.Alternatively, the data line 171 may be embedded, partially recessed, orotherwise countersunk in the insulation substrate 110. As such, thedistance between the data line 171 and the common electrode 131 or thepixel electrode 191 may be maximized (or otherwise increased). Further,the parasitic capacitance between the data line 171 and the commonelectrode 131 or the pixel electrode 191 may be reduced, which, thereby,minimizes (or otherwise reduces) the signal delay of the data line 171.Also, crosstalk between the data line 171 and the common electrode 131or the pixel electrode 191 may be reduced, which, thereby, reduces lightleakage resulting from, for instance, electric field distortion(s).

According to exemplary embodiments, it is not necessary to form aninsulating layer made of an organic insulating material between the dataline 171 and the common electrode 131 or the pixel electrode 191.Accordingly, as compared to instances when an insulating layer made ofan organic insulating material is disposed between the data line 171 andthe common electrode 131 or the pixel electrode 191, the material cost,in exemplary embodiments, may be reduced and the processing steps, suchas the deposition and the photo-processing steps, and time may bereduced. Further, absorption of incident light by an organic insulatingmaterial may be avoided (or otherwise reduced) such that thetransmittance of the corresponding liquid crystal display may beincreased. Moreover, it is not necessary to form a contact hole in athick organic insulating material, such that an aperture ratio of theliquid crystal display is not undesirably reduced.

While certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have beendescribed herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparentfrom this description. Accordingly, the invention is not limited to suchembodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the presented claims andvarious obvious modifications and equivalent arrangements.

What is claimed is:
 1. A liquid crystal display, comprising: asubstrate; a first signal line at least partially recessed in thesubstrate, the first signal line extending substantially in a firstdirection; a gate insulating layer disposed on the first signal line; afirst electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer; a thin filmtransistor connected to the first signal line, the thin film transistorcomprising the first electrode; a pixel electrode connected to the thinfilm transistor and configured to receive a data voltage from the thinfilm transistor; a common electrode overlapping, in a plan view, atleast a portion of the pixel electrode; a common voltage line extendingsubstantially parallel to the first signal line, the common voltage linebeing disposed at a same layer as the first signal line; and a firstinsulating layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the commonelectrode, wherein: one of the pixel electrode and the common electrodehas a planar shape and the other comprises branch electrodesoverlapping, in the plan view, at least a portion of the planar-shapedelectrode, the branch electrodes extend substantially parallel to thefirst signal line, the common electrode comprises a first portionextending along and overlapping, in the plan view, a lengthwise portionof the first signal line and a second portion extending along andoverlapping, in the plan view, a lengthwise portion of the commonvoltage line, and the second portion of the common electrode is disposeddirectly on and connected to the common voltage line via at least onecontact hole in the gate insulating layer, and the second portion of thecommon electrode fully covers the common voltage line around the contacthole.
 2. The liquid crystal display of claim 1, wherein: the firstportion of the common electrode comprises an opening extending along thefirst signal line.
 3. The liquid crystal display of claim 2, wherein:the first signal line comprises a gate line configured to transmit agate signal to the thin film transistor.
 4. The liquid crystal displayof claim 3, further comprising: data lines disposed on the gateinsulating layer, the data lines intersecting the gate line, wherein thefirst electrode is connected to a first data line of the data lines, andwherein the thin film transistor further comprises: a second electrodefacing the first electrode, the second electrode being connected to thepixel electrode, and a semiconductor overlapping, in the plan view, thefirst electrode and the second electrode.
 5. The liquid crystal displayof claim 4, wherein: the first signal line is one of a plurality offirst signal lines; the common voltage line is one of a plurality ofcommon voltage lines; and the plurality of first signal lines and theplurality of common voltage lines are alternately arranged in a seconddirection different from the first direction.
 6. The liquid crystaldisplay of claim 5, wherein: pixel electrodes in a row of pixelsarranged in the second direction are alternately connected to a firstdata line of the data lines and a second data line of the data lines;and the first and second data lines are configured to transmit datavoltages of opposite polarities.
 7. The liquid crystal display of claim6, further comprising: a second insulating layer disposed between thefirst signal line and the common electrode, wherein the secondinsulating layer does not comprise an organic insulating material. 8.The liquid crystal display of claim 2, wherein: the first signal linecomprises a data line configured to transmit a data signal to the thinfilm transistor.
 9. The liquid crystal display of claim 8, furthercomprising: a gate line disposed on the gate insulating layer, the gateline being connected to the first electrode and intersecting the dataline, wherein the thin film transistor further comprises: a sourceelectrode connected to the data line, a drain electrode facing thesource electrode, and a semiconductor disposed on respective portions ofthe source electrode and the drain electrode.
 10. The liquid crystaldisplay of claim 9, further comprising: a second insulating layerdisposed between the first signal line and the common electrode, whereinthe second insulating layer does not comprise an organic insulatingmaterial.
 11. The liquid crystal display of claim 1, wherein: an uppersurface of the substrate and an upper surface of the first signal lineare substantially co-planar.
 12. The liquid crystal display of claim 1,wherein: the first signal line comprises a gate line configured totransmit a gate signal to the thin film transistor.
 13. The liquidcrystal display of claim 12, further comprising: data lines disposed onthe gate insulating layer, the data lines intersecting the gate line,wherein the first electrode is connected to a first data line of thedata lines, and wherein the thin film transistor further comprises: asecond electrode facing the first electrode, the second electrode beingconnected to the pixel electrode, and a semiconductor disposed onrespective portions of the first electrode and the second electrode. 14.The liquid crystal display of claim 13, wherein: the first signal lineis one of a plurality of first signal lines; the common voltage line isone of a plurality of common voltage lines; and the plurality of firstsignal lines and the plurality of common voltage lines are alternatelyarranged in a second direction different from the first direction. 15.The liquid crystal display of claim 14, wherein: pixel electrodes in arow of pixels arranged in the second direction are alternately connectedto a first data line of the data lines and a second data line of thedata lines; and the first and second data lines are configured totransmit data voltages of opposite polarities.
 16. The liquid crystaldisplay of claim 1, wherein: the first signal line is one of a pluralityof first signal lines; the common voltage line is one of a plurality ofcommon voltage lines; and the plurality of first signal lines and theplurality of common voltage lines are alternately arranged in a seconddirection different from the first direction.
 17. The liquid crystaldisplay of claim 1, wherein: the first signal line comprises a data lineconfigured to transmit a data signal to the thin film transistor. 18.The liquid crystal display of claim 17, further comprising: a gate linedisposed on the gate insulating layer, the gate line being connected tothe first electrode and intersecting the data line, wherein the thinfilm transistor further comprises: a source electrode connected to thedata line, a drain electrode facing the source electrode, and asemiconductor disposed on respective portions of the source electrodeand the drain electrode.